An Interview with Marco Van Daal
May 3, 2025

Why, How, and When Did You Start the Business?

I launched our small distillery in Aruba just over a year ago. We’re a craft operation, and from the beginning, we knew we needed a software solution that wouldn’t overwhelm us with upfront costs. That’s what initially attracted us to Loyverse. The free trial period gave us time to evaluate whether it could handle the strict local regulations, especially since investing heavily in something untested was not an option for us.

What Makes Your Business Unique?

Our business stands out because we are a craft distillery. We don’t produce in mass quantities — instead, we focus on small batches. Aruba, being a popular tourist destination, has a bustling hospitality industry, and we’ve successfully positioned ourselves as a local supplier to hotels and restaurants. Our focus on quality over quantity, combined with our connection to the local scene, is what sets us apart.

How Did You Discover Loyverse?

Interestingly, I stumbled upon Loyverse when I saw a customer display in a shop. At the time, we were actively searching for a POS system, so I asked the store clerk a few questions. He shared the name, and after conducting some online research, we began testing it ourselves. The simplicity of the layout caught my attention right away, and it grew from there.

What Features Convinced You to Subscribe?

One of the biggest hurdles we faced was handling excise taxes — a specific tax calculated on the volume we produce, not the sale price. Most software on the market could handle VAT, but not excise tax. Loyverse didn’t support it out of the box, but after consulting with their support team, we created a workaround by setting up two separate shops in the system: one for production and one for sales. Transferring inventory between them allowed us to account for the excise tax based on volume. That flexibility, especially using the advanced inventory and transfer features, made all the difference and convinced us to subscribe.

What’s Your Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs?

Why are you waiting?

Seriously — there’s never a perfect moment to start a business. Many people hold off, waiting for all the stars to align, but that day never comes. If you believe in what you’re doing, just go for it. You’ll learn, adapt, and figure it out as you move forward. That’s what entrepreneurship is all about.

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